Finalists revealed for 2025 Marketing Derby Food and Drink Awards

The finalists have been revealed for this year’s Marketing Derby Food and Drink Awards.

More than 5,000 nominations were received for this year’s awards, which celebrate the very best places to eat and drink in the city.

The judges have now whittled these down and decided on their shortlists. The winners will be revealed at an awards ceremony, which is set to take place at The Chocolate Factory on 6 October.

The awards are made up of 12 categories, including the coveted Restaurant of the Year title.

Christopher Tebbs, inward investment executive at Marketing Derby and Food and Drinks Awards lead, said: “We’re delighted to announce the finalists for this year’s awards.

“We had a phenomenal response in terms of nominations, which made it all the more difficult to select the finalists. Huge congratulations to all the nominees!

“It’s now over to the judges, who have the not so onerous task of visiting these amazing food and drink businesses and choosing their winners.”

Nominations were received from members of the public, business leaders and food and drink establishment owners.

Once again, the awards are backed by an enviable line-up of sponsors.

They are Bustler, The Chocolate Factory, Denby Pottery, Royal Crown Derby, Catering24, Rothera Bray, Derby College Group, Ocean King, NK Motors, Trentbarton, Q Branch Consultancy and Matthew Montague Architects.

Representatives from each sponsor will judge their category, which involves ‘mystery shopping’ at all three finalists and scoring against defined criteria.

The shortlisted finalists are:

MARKETING DERBY RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 2025

Darleys

Nicco

The Pepperpot

BEST CAFÉ

Nourish 44

River Kitchen

The Bookcafe

BEST BAR

Darley Abbey Wines

Amalfi White

Belong Bar

BEST PUB/RESTAURANT (OUTSIDE OF THE CITY)

The Devonshire

Elephant & Peacock

The Cooper’s Arms

BEST INTERNATIONAL

Omomo

Boa

Lorentes (city centre)

BEST NEWCOMER

Bouquet (Little Eaton)

Compamigos

Glamberry

BEST OVERALL EXPERIENCE

Dovecote (Morley Hayes)

Kedleston Country House

Bistro Pierre

BEST PUB

Exeter Arms

The Old Silk Mill

The Dragon at Willington

BEST CURRY

The Spice Lounge

Lotus Indian Kitchen

Anoki

BUSTLER’S BEST BITE

Bah Bah Mezze

Portabello

Let’s Taco ‘bout it

MARKETING DERBY INNOVATION AWARD

To be announced on the night.

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

To be announced on the night.

Attention now turns to the awards ceremony itself.

To book places for the event e-mail Christopher.tebbs@marketingderby.co.uk.

For more information about the Marketing Derby Food and Drink Awards visit https://www.marketingderby.co.uk/food-and-drink-awards/.

You can also get all the latest news about the Marketing Derby Food and Drink Awards on LinkedIn and Instagram.